
In a modest seaside hamlet that has grown organically around its bustling quay, life revolves around the rhythm of the tides and the close‑knit community that watches every window and bows to every neighbor. The town’s quiet streets, painted houses, and fragrant docks create a vivid backdrop where tradition and reputation hold sway, and the ever‑present sea offers both livelihood and shelter.
At the heart of this world is Peer Olsen, a charismatic violinist‑turned‑shopkeeper whose modest trade of brandy and bread anchors the narrative. His son, Peter, a shy and meticulous young man, struggles to find his place amid the expectations of a town that knows every family’s history. As Peter embarks on a brief apprenticeship at sea and returns with newfound confidence, the story gently explores the tensions between individuality and communal conformity, hinting at the subtle shifts that will shape their futures.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (273K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
Release date
2011-10-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1832–1910
A towering figure in 19th-century Norwegian literature, he wrote poems, plays, novels, and stories that helped shape Norway’s cultural identity. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903 and is also remembered for writing the lyrics to Norway’s national anthem.
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